“As the world comes closer together, fluency in another language opens up opportunities for people to succeed economically and to take part in diverse cultural activities,” Torlakson said in a statement.
By 2030, Torlakson’s plan calls for half of all K-12 students to be enrolled in programs leading to proficiency in two or more languages, tripling the number of students who receive the State Seal of Biliteracy; and quadrupling the number of dual-language immersion programs. The initiative builds on the California English Learner Roadmap and Proposition 58 — a measure approved by voters in 2016 to allow schools to create dual-language immersion programs.
- Global California 2030 is a new state initiative aimed at increasing the number of students proficient in more than one language
- Challenges include bilingual teacher shortages and lack of funding for updated instructional materials
But to reach Torlakson’s 2030 target there will be challenges. Chief among these are teaching shortages because few new bilingual teachers were minted during the 20 years when California education policy was less supportive of dual language programs. Many teachers who formerly had this preparation have left the field or their skills have become rusty given the lack of opportunity to teach in dual language programs. Classroom resources such as textbooks and other materials will also need to be developed. The CDE website, for example, shows approved instructional materials that date back more than a decade.
CSBA Senior Director of Policy and Programs